AN ORGANISATION who install and maintainers defibrillators in Droitwich is offering businesses and community organisations a chance to have a life-saving device installed for free.
Droitwich AED (automated external defibrillator) are offering to install free community public access defibrillators (CPAD) to help saves lives in the region.
The devices will need to be installed in a location which is fully accessible to members of the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year.
The hosts of the device will also be required to have two ‘AED Guardians’ who regularly check the device is rescue ready in an emergency. Training will be given.
Recipients of the CPAD will also be responsible for maintaining the device, which involves small costs.
The electrode pads will need replacing every two and a half years, at a cost of £72, and batteries will need to be replaced roughly every 4 and a half years, at a cost of £267.
Based on national statistics there are approximately 66 out of hospital cardiac arrests (OOHCA) every year in Droitwich (11 every two months).
Over half are on their own when they suffer cardiac arrest however the other half could be saved if CPR is started straight away, an ambulance is called straight away and an AED is used within five minutes.
Only two or three people survive an OOHCA long-term each year but with improved access to defibrillators, up to 70 per cent could survive. That would roughly 18,000 lives saved every year, out of the average 30,000 who suffer a cardiac arrest in Britain.
Droitwich AED, who have funded well over 100 defibrillators across Worcestershire, have also pledged to help subsidise CPADs elsewhere in the region.
Contact [email protected] for details.
Visit www.shop.welmedical.co.uk for equipment and cost details.
